A titer is a blood test that measures the concentration of substances in the blood, commonly used for antibody testing to determine immunity to specific diseases. It can also confirm a diagnosis of disease or monitor chronic diseases. The test is a simple procedure with little risk, and results are sent to the patient’s physician for treatment decisions.
A titer usually refers to a blood test that measures the concentration of substances in a person’s blood. The test can be used to determine whether a person has developed immunity to specific diseases by checking the necessary concentration of antibodies for immunity. Titers are also used to check the concentration of viruses or bacteria in the blood, as well as other substances.
The most common use of the titer test is antibody testing. An antibody is a special type of protein created by the immune system to fight infection. For a person to be immune to a specific disease, they must already have antibodies to the disease-causing agent in their blood. These antibodies can come from previous exposure to a disease causing bacteria or virus or from vaccination. For there to be immunity, antibody levels must reach specific concentrations for each disease.
Having the kind of information the title test provides can be extremely helpful. It can help healthcare professionals decide if the vaccination was effective or if booster shots are needed. It can also help determine whether a person who has been exposed to a disease-causing agent has gained immunity from exposure or should be vaccinated anyway. A title can also be used to prove immunity if vaccination records are lost, eliminating the need for further vaccinations. Some commonly tested antibodies include measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox or varicella, polio, hepatitis B and C, and others.
Another use for a titer test is to confirm a diagnosis of disease by checking the concentration of virus or bacteria in the blood or by checking for antibodies to that agent. Some illnesses where this may be helpful include mononucleosis, Lyme disease, or hepatitis. It can also be used to control immune system responses in autoimmune disorders such as lupus, where the immune system is attacking the body’s tissues. Concentrations of agents that cause chronic diseases such as the HIV virus can also be monitored using a titer, also known as a viral load test.
The test is actually a very simple procedure for the patient, with little risk. Blood is most often drawn from the arm, inside the elbow, or the back of the hand. The patient is seated comfortably and the area is cleaned with antiseptic, then an elastic bandage is used to restrict blood flow and cause the veins to swell and lift slightly, making it easier to insert the needle into the vein. Once the vein is ready, a needle is inserted to collect blood from the vein into a vial or attached tube, then the rubber band is removed from the arm.
Once enough blood has been collected, the needle is removed, then the vial is labeled and sent for testing. The titer test is performed in the laboratory and the results are sent to the patient’s physician. The doctor evaluates the results and uses the information to make treatment decisions.
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